Q: I have a jade plant in my conservatory. He is 2 years old now and has filled his bowl. Is it a good idea to repost it, and if so, can you give me any tips?
A: Most healthy houseplants will need to be repotted every now and then to accommodate their growth and prevent root congestion, which can affect nutrient uptake. Among these are jade trees or plants, also known as Crassula ovata, which are usually replanted every two or three years – or every four years if they are more mature. It is best to do this in the spring, when the plant is actively growing, advises gardening expert Tony O’Neill.
Often, repotting (removing any rotten roots) is also worth doing if your jade plant is dropping its leaves due to over-watering.
Tony O’Neill is an accomplished horticulturist, author, and educator. With a passion for simplifying gardening practices, he has inspired a wide audience through his popular YouTube channel and website SimplifyGardening.com. Tony’s expertise empowers individuals to grow thriving gardens and connect with nature.
These plants are low maintenance, but repotting them every now and then is beneficial
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How to replant a jade plant
Before you get started, you’ll need to choose the right container to move your jade plant into. Note that larger jade plants will need a heavier pot to prevent them from tipping over.
“Make sure your new pot has drainage holes—this will help prevent waterlogging,” says Autumn Hilliard-Knapp of Perfect Plants Nursery. “You’ll also want your pot to be a little larger than the current pot your jade plant is in.” Avoid choosing one also She adds that they should be large, otherwise they will retain excess moisture and contribute to root rot.
You will also need to prepare your potting mix. Tony recommends combining standard potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. You can purchase organic perlite from Perfect Plants Nursery.
Then follow Tony’s simple steps below.
- Gently tap the sides of the existing pot to loosen the soil and root ball. Hold the jade plant by its base and thin it out.
- Look for damaged or very long roots and cut them back. If the roots are going around the bottom, gently detangle them and spread them out.
- Place some soil in the bottom of the new pot. Position the jade plant so it sits at the same depth as before. Fill the perimeter of the plant with the soil mixture, then compact it gently to eliminate air pockets.
- After replanting, water sparingly and place the jade plant in its usual location.
Most important tip: Watering the jade plant a few days before replanting it, fall is recommended. This helps the plant better withstand the stress of the event.
If you like, you can add a mulch of gravel or ornamental pebbles to the surface of the soil after replanting the jade plant. This gives the display an attractive finishing touch and is a popular addition when replanting cacti as well. Additionally, it can help prevent problems with fungus, a common plant pest in the home.
Autumn is a horticulturist and marketing professional at Perfect Plants Nursery. With four years of experience in the gardening industry, I have developed a passion for helping people create beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy. Her horticultural experience includes a wide range of activities, including plant care and selection, landscape design and maintenance.
These plants make attractive small trees for interior schemes
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My jade plant is stuck in its pot – what should I do?
Root-bound plants can be difficult to remove from their container. It will be easier if you water the plant first. One trick I like to use is to take a chopstick and gently insert it through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, which can help loosen it. Carefully running a knife around the edges of the soil can also help.
If it’s in a plastic container, you may need to cut it away, Autumn adds.
Healthy jade plants will have solid, shiny green leaves, and can also produce flowers if conditions are right
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These houseplants can grow quite large – I’ve seen jade plants started from small cuttings grow into indoor trees about 4 feet tall (albeit over decades). Once your plant reaches this stage, moving it to a larger pot may not be practical. Instead, replacing the top layer of compost with fresh one and using a houseplant fertilizer will give it the boost of nutrients it needs.
